sugarcoat

verb

sug·​ar·​coat ˈshu̇-gər-ˌkōt How to pronounce sugarcoat (audio)
sugarcoated; sugarcoating; sugarcoats
Synonyms of sugarcoatnext

transitive verb

1
: to coat with sugar
2
: to make superficially attractive or palatable

Examples of sugarcoat in a Sentence

She has very strong opinions, and she doesn't try to sugarcoat them.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Without sugarcoating it, this is essentially a clone of Apple's Magic Keyboard. — Ben Sin, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 Randy Travis Recalls His Stormy Path from Catfish Cook to Country Music Hero Walker and Mary Travis promise the movie won’t sugarcoat any of the trials. — Nancy Kruh, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Don’t spin the news; don’t sugarcoat the tough parts—and do celebrate their efforts in making change happen. — Elizabeth Baskin, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Commendably, neither the movie nor the actor sugarcoat the abrasiveness of a creative genius whose insensitivity toward people close to him often stands in stark contrast to the humanity in his songs. — Kimberly Nordyke, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sugarcoat

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from sugarcoated

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sugarcoat was in 1858

Rhymes for sugarcoat

See All Rhymes for sugarcoat

Browse Nearby Words

sugarcoat
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Cite this Entry

“Sugarcoat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sugarcoat. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

sugarcoat

verb
sug·​ar·​coat ˌshu̇g-ər-ˈkōt How to pronounce sugarcoat (audio)
: to coat with or as if with sugar

More from Merriam-Webster on sugarcoat

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sugarcoat

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